Envelope machine



March 1-3, 1934. L. sToNE Er AL ENVELOPE MACH I NE Filed July 3o. 1952 8Sheets-Sheet l W17 (ECC 55 March 13, 1934. L, STONE E' AL ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 13, 1934. sToNE ET ALENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 @OCC 5% March 13,1934. L.. sToNE Er AL 1,951,040

ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July S50. 1932 8 Sheets-f-Sheet 4 OSC #ge March13, 1934. L. STONE Er Al. 1,951,040

ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed JuLy 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 l 46 A9 ITF :Iffm-wi March 13, 1934. L. sroNE Er AL ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July 30,1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 w? Rg.

March 13, 1934. L STONE E -r AL 1,951,040

ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July 50 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 March 13, 1934.STONE |1- AL 1,951,040

ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed VJuly 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet B \\\\1 um Ov@ LeoStowe, wxN .W'N'Me Patented Mar. 13, 1934 PATENT OFFCE ENVELOPE MACHINELeo Stone, Brockton, and Fred W. McArdle, Boston, Mass.; said McArdleassignor to said Stone Application July 30, 1932, Serial No. 626,268

20 Claims.

Our invention relates to envelope machines, and particularly to thattype in which the envelope is formed from a pair of members severed fromseparate strips of paper of predetermined widths, continuously fed froma pair of supply rolls, and the severed sections assembled to form atwo-part envelope.

A machine of this character for producing a particular size of envelope,is described and l0 claimed in Letters Patent to Wm. Bodge, No.

1,360,984, May 3l, 1932.

The main object of our invention is to provide a machine of thischaracter which is adaptable to produce a plurality of sizes ofenvelopes.

Another object is to provide adjustable means whereby changes for theproduction of different sizes of envelopes may be made with facility,and a minimum loss of time.

Our invention consists in the novel construction and combination ofelements, and the mechan" sms by means of which We are enabled to attainthe foregoing objects, and in the means by which the operative membersare coordinated to function in producing a continuous sequence offinished envelopes of any predetermined size within the capacity of themachine.

Other objects and novelties will appear in the accompanying specicationand claims, and the drawings forming a part thereof, in which a pre- 00ferred embodiment of our invention is described and illustrated.

We do not confine ourselves to this particular embodiment, as modfcationof parts and rearrangement of members may be made without departing fromthe scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a diagram illustrating the essential features of themachine.

Figures 2 and 3 are fragments showing the means for certain adjustmentsrelating to the cutting means and the means for gumming the envelopemember.

Figure 4 is a partial plan on line 4 4, Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a section on 5--5 Figure 6 of one of the cutter holders,substantially full size.

Figure 6 is a sectional side elevation of the same on l'ne 6-6 of Figure5.

Figure 7 is an end elevation showing one of the 0 bearings for thecutter holders and cross gumming member, reduced in size, extremeadjusted position of holder being indicated by broken lines.

Figure 8 is a fragmental side section substantially on line 8-8, Figure7.

Figure 9 is an end elevation on line 9-9, Figure 10, reduced in size, ofthe means employed for notching the major envelope member and removingthe fragment from the path of the strip.

Figure 10 is a plan of same substantially on line 1-l0, Figure 1.

Figure 11 is a fragmental end elevation of the fragment removing arm andadjacent parts.

Figure l2 is a sectional fragment of the notching member.

Figure 13 is a plan of the notching cutter look- 65 ing in the directionof the arrow, Figure 14, substantially full size.

Figure 14 is a side View of the cutter.

Figure 15 is a fragmental section of the cutter on line 15-15 of Figure14.

Figure 16 is a sectional end View on line 155-16, Figure 17 of thechange gear train and adjacent parts, reduced in size.

Figure 17 is a fragmental plan of the same.

Figure 18 is a sectional end view of the cross 75 gumming member andadjacent parts on line 18-18 Figure 19, substantially full size.

Figure 19 is a fragmental plan of the same. Figures 20, 21, 22 arediagrams illustrating the progress of the webs in the formation of aminimum size of envelope.

Figures 2S, 24, 25 are similar diagrams as applied to a maximum size ofenvelope.

Figure 26 is a fragment showing the relation of parts momentarilypreceding the folding action on the end flap.

Figure 27 is a similar fragment showing the relation of partsimmediately succeeding.

Figure 28 shows in perspective the minor element as folded.

Figure 29 shows the major element in related position to the minorelement in Figure 23, the folding line being indicated by dots.

Figure 30 shows a nnished envelope as it passes between the conveyerbelts, the position of the gummed end flaps before folding beingindicated in dotted lines.

The operation of a machine of this type for providing a continuoussuccession of finished envelopes of a particular size, is fullydescribed in application of record, and we will now explain and describethe improvements which we claim as new in this embodiment of ourinvention. We have provided for the manufacture of several sizes ofenvelope of this type, without replacement of parts and by means ofadjustable members of novel character adaptable to function to produceenvelopes varied both in width and length.

Referring to Figure 4 we have indicated in dot and dash lines a and a',an arbitrary range in 110 widths of envelopes, and as will be explained,envelopes within predetermined limits of both Width and length, may beproduced in continuous sequence, by suitable adjustments of the severaloperative members, and their operative relation one to another, toproduce the different sizes within the predetermined capacity of themachine.

Referring also to Figure 1, the two elements of the envelope aresupplied from paper of suitable widths, in the form of rolls A and B,suitably supported. Hereinafter we will designate the shorter member ofthe envelope, supplied from the roll A, and the longer member from theroll B, as respectively minor and major elements.

The strip A is of greater width than the strip B', both being similarlyguided by members 30 laterally, suitable tension means indicated at 31being employed to prevent excessive supply from the rolls, as the stripsare fed longitudinally, as will be explained. The operative mechanism isdriven from a countershaft 32 which is in turn driven from a source ofpower 33 by suitable belts and sprocket chain connections, 34, 35. RigidWith this shaft 32 is the sprocket 36, by means of which the shaft isrotated in bearings in the frame members 37, 38, Figures 2, 16 and A17.Slidable axially on this shaft and rotatable therewith is the quill 39,Figures 1, 16, 17, on which are rigidly mounted a plurality of gears 40,41, 42, 43, 44, of varied size, for reasons to be presently explained.

This quill is adjustable axially by suitable means, one such meansengaging the collar 46, and means including a fork 45 adapted to engagethe collar rigid with the quill.

This fork is secured to the shift rod 47 slidable axially in suitablebearings, the shift rod being notched as at 48 to be engaged by a latch49, hinged to one frame member, the notches being spaced to agree withthe width of the gears and to permit alignment of any one of the gearswith a gear train, which we will presently describe.

As already explained, the strip of paper A from which the minor memberof the envelope is formed is of greater width than the strip B to permitfolding of the edges for side gurnming flaps.

This holds true for any width of envelope within the limits of theparticular machine. The minor member is also shorter than the majorelement which is of a length sufficient to provide for a gumming flapfor closing the envelope, and a flap at the opposite end for folding asa closure. In Figures 28, 29, we have shown respective minor and majorenvelope elements, and in Figure 30 an envelope complete. In thesefigures the minor element a" is formed with the folded gumming flaps a"and the major element b is formed with end flaps b and 19. When in theprocess the elements are assembled, the two elements are joined alongthe sides at the side gumming flaps, and one end flap 19"' of the majormember is folded over the minor member to form an envelope sealed at thesides and one end, as in Figure 30, the other end being folded over as aclosure when used. Y

In this embodiment we apply the gum to the side flaps of the minorelement and to one end flap of the major element, but may apply gum forboth end and sides to either element, provided the operative relation isretained.

It thus becomes necessary to feed the two strips at varied proportionatespeeds, not only for a single size, but to retain substantially the sameproportionate movement for longer or shorter envelopes.

In the application of record the several operative members arecoordinated to produce a single size of envelope, and such members arein fixed relation to one another.

In the present embodiment of our invention we have provided for theproduction of ve widths of envelope, with corresponding variation inlength. It thus becomes necessary in order vthat we may attain ourobjects, to provide mechanism adapted to function in the production ofenvelopes of different sizes within prescribed lii its, and withoutreplacement of parts.

In Figure 4 maximum and minimum widths of envelope are indicated by dotand dash lines a and a', and explanation relative to these will apply tointermediate widths.

In this gure the several members are shown as adjusted for the minimumWidth of envelope, and the guide members 30 are slidably adjustable onthe cross bar 51 and are moved to such position that the center lines ofthe webs are coincident with a central vertical plane passinglongitudinally through the several operative members.

The folding members 52 are similarly adjustable on the cross bar 53.Referring now to the strip A only, this is fed to a cutting unit Ccomprising an anvil roll 54 and a cutter holder 55, Figures 1, 5, 6 inwhich are mounted cutters 56 adjustable radially. This anvil roll is soproportioned that the periphery is equal in length to a single minorenvelope member of minimum size.

The speed of revolution is therefore assumed as equal to that of thecountershaft 32, and referring particularly to Figures 16, 17, a gear 57rigid with the anvil shaft 58, and of equal size to gear 40 on thecountershaft, is driven there-- from through the medium of the idlergear 59 journalled on the stud 60, Figure 16, projecting from a rooklever 61 journalled on the shaft 58 and having an extension arm 62,provided with the slot 63 through which extends a clamp bolt 64 slidablein the frame and having a hand nut 65 by means of which the rock levermay be rigidly secured in adjusted position. The rock lever is adaptedto adjust to engage the idler gear with any of the nest of gears as theyare adjusted to align with the gear 57 on the shaft 58, for purposes tobe presently explained. Secured to the anvil roll shaft is a second gear66 of pitch diameter equal to that of the roll. Equal peripheral speedis transmitted from this gear through an idler 67 journalled on a fixedstud 68, to the pinion 69, meshing with a like pinion 70 of equal pitchdiameter to, and rotatable with, the feed rolls 71, 72. The strip A fedby these feed rolls is advanced between the anvil roll and the cutterholder.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, the cutter unit which we prefercomprises the rotatable holder 55 in which is mounted the cutter element56. This element is provided with a cutting edge of a length in excessof the widest web used and slidable in the slot formed lengthwise of theholder. Gibs 76 secured to the holder guide support the tongue 77extending from the butt 78 in which are secured studs 79 projectingupwardly. Corresponding in position with the studs 79 are tappedopenings 80 in the holder engaged by correspondingly threaded sleeves81, through which the studs extend to provide means for adjusting theprojection 0f the cutting edge 82,

a collar secured to the stud end retaining the relation of the stud andsleeve while permitting rotation oi the latter. Between the end of thesleeve and the butt of the cutter we provide a lock washer S3 for thepurpose or" providing a yielding pressure to prevent change ofadjustment of the sleeve. The upper end of each of the sleeves isprovided with a hexed portion by means of which the particular sleevemay adjusted to cause the cutting edge to project sufficiently to rotatethrough a peripheral distance equal to the length of one minor envelopeelement according as the other members are adjusted to produce anenvelope between mini mum and maximum length.

Thus for an envelope of minimum size, the anvil roll is rotated inunison with the counter shaft and as explained, the feed rolls operateto advance the strip A a distance equal to one length of the minorelement of a minimum size of envelope. By independent means which will4be presently described, the cutter holder is likewise rotated in unisonwith the counter shaft, and the cutter cooperates with the anvil roll tosever a single minor element in each rotation.

The peripheral speed of the anvil roll and the connected feed rolls, isdependent upon the peripheral speed of the particular gear of the nest,aligned with the gear 57, and the peripheral speed of that gear istransmitted to the gear 57, and a proportionate peripheral speed to theanvil and feed rolls. It thus follows that since the cutter holder 55rotates in unison with the countershaft to sever a minor envelopeelement of any of the predetermined lengths within the mini mum andmaximum limits, the peripheral speed of the cutter edge must be the sameas that of the anvil and feed rolls, according as they are rotated fromone or the other of the nest of gears. The cutter is therefore advancedin the cutter holder to such extent that the path of rotation of thecutter edge will equal to that of a roll having a periphery equal to thelength of the minor envelope element in process.

In order that the cutter and anvil rolls may cooperate to sever the web,the cutter holder is so mounted that the axis thereof may be varied inparallel relation to the axis of the anvil roll.

In Figures 7 and 8 We have shown a convenient means whereby this may bedone.

The cutter holder 55 is formed on each end with an extension 85journalled in the bearing 88 slidable in the pedestal 87. This pedestalis formed to serve as a cap to the bearing in which the anvil shaftrotates.

Projecting upwardly from the bearing 86 is a stud 88 slidably engagingthe sleeve 89 which is threaded on its outer surface to engage the bevelgear 90 journalled in the cap 91 rigid with the top of the pedestal.Between the bearing 86 and the end of the sleeve 89 is the spring 92 forwhich the stud 88 serves as an arbor. The sleeve is splinedlongitudinally at 93 to be engaged by a key 94 projecting from thesurface of the stud, and the upper end of the stud is provided with anut 95 limiting the movement of the stud ax ially in one direction asthe spring yieldingly limits the movement in the other.

The cutter holder is thus rotatable in yieldable bearings which may beadjusted normal to the axis of the cutter holder by rotating the bevelgear 90. In order that the cutter holder may be adjusted with facilityto retain parallelism, We provide means for simultaneously adjustingopposite bearings, comprising a pair of bevel pinions 96 rigid with ashaft 97 journalled at opposite ends in bearings 98 in the caps 91 ofopposite pedestals. The pinions engage respectively with gears 90 andthe respective sleeves 89 are threaded right and left.

As the sleeve in its axial path of movement intersects the extension ofthe axis of the shaft 97, we provide on one bearing unit a second pinion98 secured to the stub shaft 99 journalled in the bearing 100 on the cap91.

The other end of the stub shaft is squared at 101 to permit the use of aremovable crank 192 by means of which the shaft may be rotated, andthrough the means described the cutter holder is adjusted in parallelrelation to the anvil roll.

As the strip A is fed by the feed rolls 71, 72 at the peripheral speedof the anvil roll 54 it engages rolls 103, Figures 1 and 4 mounted onthe shaft 104 and axially adjustable therewith.

The shaft 104 is mounted in bearings 105 forming a part of the glue pot106 in which is rotatably mounted the glue roll 107 supported onbrackets 108 from each frame member 37, 38.

The rolls 103 engage peripherally with the glue roll 107 and serve astransfer rolls for gumming the side flaps a'" of the minor envelopemember a as the strip A passes over, a pressure roll 109, Figure 1mounted on a shaft not shown, rotatable in bearings in the frame,serving to insure contact of the web with the rolls 103. Secured to theshaft 104 is the pinion 110, Figure 41, of the same pitch diameter asthe rolls 103, and this meshes with the idler 111, Figures 1 and erotatably, on a stud projecting from the adjacent frame member 37, andin turn meshing with the gear 66 to rotate the rolls 103 at the sameperipheral speed as the moving strip A.

The pinion 110 also meshes with a gear 113 rigid with the glue rollshaft to rotate the roll at the same peripheral speed as that of therolls 103. These rolls which may be termed the gumming rolls, and theglue roll and pot may be removed from the brackets 108 for cleaningpurposes. Before a minor member is severed from the web A', it not onlyengages the gumming rolls, but also conveyor belts 115, 116, 'Figure 4.These conveyor belts connect respectively the rolls 117, 118 and 119,120, rotatable with respective shafts 121, 122 having bearings 123, 124in opposite frame members. The outer rolls 117, 118 are axiallyadjustable on their respective shafts to admit the engagement of themoving strip A which will be presently explained.

The minor element a severed from the strip A is carried forward by theconveyor belts and joins the strip E at the rolls 126--127, the shaft122 being geared to the shaft on which the roll 127 is mounted, to movethe conveyor belt at the same speed as the peripheral speed of the anvilroll 54.

The rolls 126-127 operate as feed rolls for the strip B and the means ofrotation will be hereinaiter described, but at this time we willdescribe the movement of and the operations upon, the strip B.

The strip B is drawn from the paper roll B by the rolls 126-127, passingbetween the notching member 130 and the cooperating anvil roll 131,Figures 9, 10. The relation of the notching member and anvil to thecutting member for the V major envelope element is such that thedistance on the line of travel of the web B between these members issubstantially a multiple of the length of the major element of theshortest envelope provided for in the embodiment.

When the strip B is cut by the cutting device D, Figure 1, the cut willbe made in advance of the end of the minor element substantially acrossthe apices of the notches in the edge of the strip B, providing whencut, a flap at each end of the minor envelope element, one of which issubsequently glued and folded as will be presently described, to form aclosure for the finished envelope.V Ihe relative speed of the conveyorbelts and the peripheral speed of the pressure rolls 126, 127 is suchthat when the minor envelope member engages the strip B its speed oftravel is accelerated, separating it from the succeeding minor elementmoving at the slower speed of the conveyor.

The contiguous end of the succeeding minor envelope element thus engagesthe strip B at the rolls 126, 127, at suchv position that when the webis severed, the finished envelope is provided with a free iiap, and thesucceeding envelope with a closure flap, limited in combined lengthsubstantially by the notches previously formed.

Adjustments hereinafter described permit variation of the relativelengths of the flaps within the stated limits.

When a size other than the smallest envelope is to be made, the speed ofthe feeding rolls for both strips is accelerated to provide longerelements as hereinbefore explained. It thus becomes necessary to adjustthe cutting relation for the minor and major element, and the notchingdevice to produce envelopes similar to the smallest size, but varying inindividual dimensions.

The device for cutting the strip B is similar to that already describedas applying to the cutting of the minor envelope member, but thenotching member requires a different construction which will bepresently described.

As the width of the strip B is varied for diiferent widths of envelopeit becomes necessary to provide means for notching each edge of the vanrious Widths of strips at distances apart longitudinally according tothe required length of envelope. In the cutting device alreadydescribed, the means for cutting the required length of minor envelopehas been explained and like means of adjustment are employed in thenotching device and in the cutting device for the major element, thecutter shaft being adjustable to vary the parallel distance between thecutter and anvil axes. In Figures 9 to 15, inclusive, I have shown meansI prefer to employ for notching the different widths of strip B and themeans for positively removing the fragments resulting from the notchingoperation.

The several rolls and cutting members are rotated to coordinate one withanother by means which I will now describe.

Referring to Figure 1, and incidentally Figures 4, 9, 10, 16 rotatablewith the countershaft 32 is a gear 135, and on the shaft 136 on whichthe notching member is mounted is a gear 137 of equal size, an idlerpinion 138 journalled on the stud 139 projecting from the frame of theInachine, meshing with both gears. As in the case of the cuttingmembers, the shaft 136 is adjustable in parallel relation to thecooperative anvil, Figure 18, and the stud 139 is so positioned relativeto the axis of adjustment as to insure suitable meshing of the pinion138 with the gear 137 in any adjusted position of the shaft 136. Equalrotation is thus transmitted from the countershaft 32 to the shaft 137,and by sprocket and chain 141, Figure 1, to the cutting member for themajor envelope member, and by similar sprocket and chain 142 to thecutting member, and similarly by the chain 143 to the cross gummingmember E hereinafter described.

The means for rotating the anvil roll 54 in va" riable relation to thatof the countershaft 32 has been described and the relative rotation ofthe anvil rolls 131, 144, 145 is maintained as follows:

Secured to the anvil roll shafts 58, 146, are equal sprockets, andsprocket chain 148 transmits like rotation to the roll 131 from shaft 58and chain 149 to the roll 144. Anvil roll 145 is rotated through themedium of like gears 151, 152, secured to respective anvil shaftsmeshing with idler pinion 153 journalled on a stud projecting from oneframe of the machine. It will thus be obvious that the several cuttermembers and the cross gumming member rotate in unison with thecountershaft 32, but the several anvil rolls rotate in relation theretovaried according as they are driven by one or the other of the nest ofgears. As the speed of rotation of these anvil rolls is varied theperipheral speed of the several feed rolls in train with one or theother of the cutting members is correspondingly varied to feed therequired lengths of the strips A and B for each rotation of thecountershaft 32, and the notching member and cross gluing member whichare adjusted to coordinate with the cutting members.

Referring to Figures 9, 10, 12 rotatable with the shaft 136 are a pairof holders 130, adjustable axially on the shaft, and mounted in eachholder is a notching cutter element 161, slidable radially with the axisof the shaft, adjusting screws 162 abutting the shoulder 163 formed onthe holder, with check nuts 164.

By means of these screws the cutting edge may be adjusted radially torotate peripherally through I the equivalent distance of one majorelement length, a clamp screw 165 serving to retain the cutter elementin adjusted position.

It has been found that if fragments are entirely severed from the webedges, there is diiculty in removing them from the vicinity of thecutter, and there is a tendency to clog; the cutter is therefore formedto partially sever the fragment, leaving an attachment at the apex ofthe cut, by means of which the fragment is moved with the strip afterthe cut is made. This is shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cutting edgebeing interrupted at 166. The fragment is removed by the followingmeans.

Extending parallel to the shaft 136, Figures 9, 10, 11, is another shaft167 rotated in unison by means of the gears 168, 169 respectively,secured to the shafts 136, 167, the shaft 167 being rotatable in Xedbearings supported by the frame and in position relative to the line ofadjustment of the shaft 136 such as to insure meshing of the gears inany adjusted position of the shaft.

The shafts 136 and 167 are splined, the former to permit axialadjustment of the holders 130 according to the width of the strip B inuse, and the latter to permit axial adjustment of units each includingthe mitre pinion 170 meshing with like pinion secured to one end of thestub shaft L 171, journalled in the carriage 172, slidable on the shaft167, and a guide rod 173 extending between the frames of the machine.Clamp screws 174, 175 respectively, secure the holders 130 and thecarriages 171 in adjusted relation to the strip and CTL rompio detach ittherefrom, suitable means not shown such as vacuum action removing itfrom the path of movement of the strip.

Hinged to the carriage 172 is an arm 177 projecting from which is a studon which is journalled a roll 178 yieldingly pressed to operate as ananvil roll for the lever 176. The periphery of this roll normally clearsthe under side of the web edge and the rotation of the lever 176 iscoordinated with the notching member to engage the fragment, depressingthe strip to engage the roll, sufficient resistance being provided by aspring 179 to insure detachment of the fragment by the cooperative leverend of lever 176 and roll 178.

As hereinbefore explained, the relative position of the several cuttermembers and also the cross gumming member is based on the shortestenvelope to be produced. It is therefore necessary to change theirrelation to coordinate in operation on the major and minor envelopeelements of different lengths with the major element, this isaccomplished as follows:

Referring to Figure 1, the web B after notching passes over an idlerroll 180, rotatable in suitable bearings secured to the frames. The rollon either side is reduced in size near the bearings and journalledthereon is the forked lever 181 in which is journalled an idler roll182, adapted to engage the strip as it moves from the roll 180 to thefeed rolls 126, 127. An arm 183, slotted at 1841 is rigid with theforked lever which may be swung therebyon its bearings to adjustedposition and clamped in such position by the bolt 185 axially slidablein the frame member, and adapted to be tightened by the hand nut similarto 65, Figures 4. and 17.

By swinging the forked lever, as indicated by the dotted lines, thelinear distance from the notching member to the cutting member isincreased to agree with the increased length of the major envelopeelement.

It is not feasible to adjust the movement of the minor envelope elementin this manner, but as the relative lengths of the members aresubstantially the same, compensation is provided for the increasedlength of the minor member in the following manner:-The relative speedof movement of the two webs being unaffected by the length of theparticular envelope, the cutter member for the minor envelope requiressuch adjustment as will maintain the relative lengths of the minor andmajor envelopes. This may be more fully understood by referring toFigures 20, 21, 22 illustrating in diagram the movement of the webs inproducing the minimum size of envelope and Figures 23, 24, 25corresponding movement for a maximum size.

In Figure 20 the minor element a is shown at the moment of engagementwith section b' of the strip B between the feed rolls 126, 127. Aspreviously explained the movement of this element and the succeedingelement has been governed by the anvil roll 54 and feed rollconnections, such that in a single revolution of said anvil roll thestrip is moved a distance equal to the periphery of said roll, theelement d severed at 190, and its forward end engaged at 191 with thestrip B still uncut, the cutting lines across the apices of the notchesbeing indicated at 192, 193, limiting the length for the major envelopeelement b.

Under the action of the feed rolls 126, 127 driven as explained from theanvil roll shaft147, and moving at the same peripheral speed as theanvil roll 144, the element a" and am are sep-V arated, as shown inFigure 21 in which b is severed, and the elements of the envelopeassembled into an envelope unit 195.

In Figure 22 this separation is increased and the minor element asevered to move forward to position shown in Figure 29.

In 'r'figures 23, 2s, 25, the movement of the elements of a maximum sizeoi' envelope is shown in corresponding positions.

Since a minor envelope element proportionate in length to that of thecorresponding major element must be severed at each rotation of thecutter in the member C, it is necessary to adjust the angular relationof the cutters in members C and D. We do this as follows:

Assuming the cutting member D for the major envelope element as basis,the sprocket 196, Figures 2 and 3, is secured to the shaft 197 of thecutter holder, and is driven from the notching member F, Figure 1 by thechain 141. Secured to the shaft 197 is a sprocket of the same size as196, the chain 142 driving therefrom the minor cutting member C.

As hereinbefore explained any change in the length of an enveloperequires adjustment in relation of the notching of the major elementstrip B', the cutting of the minor element, and the cross gummingelement E, relative to the common basis member D.

We have shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8 a means for adjusting the relationof the cutting elements of the major and minor envelope elements, andsimilar means may be employed in connection ics with the notching andcross gummng members.

Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 8, the chain 142 drives the minorcutting member through the sprocket 198, 198 journalled on the hub of aplate 199 rigidly secured to the shaft extension 85 of the cutter holder55. The plate 199 is slotted at 200, and the clamp bolt 201 extendstherethrough, and is tapped into the sprocket 198. The cutter holder maythus be rotated to vary the angular relation with the major en velopecutter, and thus vary the distance between the cutters and the length ofthe minor envelope element.

The advancing end of the assembled envelope is cross gummed by means ofan adjustable gumming member which engages a gluing unit of similarnature to that already described. Specific differences, however, requirefurther explanation. The cross gumming unit as a whole includes agumming member 205, an anvil roll 152, a glue pot 207, a glue roll 208,and a transfer roll 209. The gumming member is similar in construction,and method of adjustment to the cutting rolls with specific differencesto be described. Referring to Figures 18, 19, the gumming bar 210 ismounted in the member 205 and is radially acljustable by means of aplurality of screws 212 threaded to engage corresponding tapped socketsin the gumming bar. The screw 213 functions both as a set screw toretain adjusted position,

izo

and as a means for limiting the axial movement iso bar varies withdifferent sizes of envelope, in a manner and for the general purposedescribed as applying to the cutters, the transfer roll is adjustablysupported in the forked frame 218 journalled on the glue roll shaft andhaving a slotted arm 219 bearing slidably on a boss 220 projecting fromone side of the glue pot. A clamp screw 221 tapped into this boss andpassing through the slot insures retaining the parts in adjustedposition. It is considered advisable to support this transfer roll inyielding bearings 222, Vthe spring 223 exerting a yielding pressurethereon, and the screw 224 permitting variation in the tension.

It thus becomes possible to so adjust the relation of the gumming bar210 and the transfer roll 209 that the former may engage the latterwithout a fine adjustment. Passing beyond the gummng device, the gummerflap engages on its under side the conveyor 225, Figure 1, whichincludes the idler roll 226 and the drive roll 227 connected by theconveyor belt 225. Cooperating with this conveyor is a separate conveyor228 similar in nature and comprising the idler roll 229 the drive roll230 and the belt 228. The roll 227 is driven by sprockets and the chain231 from the anvil shaft 147 at the same or slightly greater peripheralspeed as that of the anvil roll. As the gummed end of the envelopeadvances it overlaps the conveyor roll 226, as shown in Figures 20, 26,27, and in timed relation to this movement the folding blade 235 securedto the levers 236 journalled on the shaft 237 operates to engage theiiap at 238, its junction with the minor element, and to fold the iiapand depress it Yto pass between the conveyor belts as in Figures 21, 27.The blade is operated by means of a lever 239 rigid with one of thelevers 236. The outer end of this lever engages the periphery of a cam240 secured to the shaft 241, and angularly adjustable. The shaftrotatable in suitable bearings, is rotated in unison with thecountershaft 32 by sprocket and chain connection 241 to the gummingmember shaft 242.

Figure 26 shows a fragmentary view in which the assembled envelope hasbeen advanced to the folding line of the end iiap, which as hereinbeforeexplained is substantially at the junction line of the elements a" andb. The folding blade 235 under the action of the tension spring 243, andreleased by the cam, rotates to the position shown in Figure 27,engaging the flap b and bending it to fold vover onto the element a inthe usual folding operation, the assembled envelope being depressed bythe blade to engage the conveyors.

The flap thus folded over, the envelope in the form shown in Figure 30,passes between the conveyor belts 225, 228. Cooperating to applypressure to these belts are series of rolls 244, 245, Figure 1,rotatably supported in extensions of the frame members, not shown.

We have found it advisable in all feed and pressure rolls, to mount oneof each pair in yielding relation to the other with suitable means forvarying the tension. The means for doing this are such as are commonlyused, and to avoid complication are omitted in description as notessential to a clear understanding of the character and operation ofthis machine. The finished envelope is discharged from between theconveyor belt onto a suitable receptacle or table, 246, indicated inFigure 1.

Havingv thus described our invention, we claim:

` 1. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips,means for cutting said strips to form pairs of major and minor envelopeelements, and means for subsequently assembling pairs of said'elementsto form two-part envelopes, means for varying the relation between thefeeding and cutting means for each strip to form pairs of independentenvelope elements of different lengths.

2. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a air of strips,means for cutting said strips to form pairs of major and minor envelopeelements, and means for subsequently assembling pairs of said elementsto form a two-part envelope, means for independently varying therelation between the feeding and the cutting means for each strip toform pairs of major and minor envelope elements of different lengths andwidths dependent on the widths of respective strips.

3. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips,means for cutting said strips to form pairs of major and minor envelopeelements, and means for subsequently assembling said elements to formtwo-part envelopes, means for independently varying the feeding of therespective strips relative to the respective cutting means and to theassembling means, to form envelopes of diierent lengths.

4. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips,means for cutting said strips to form pairs of major and minor envelopeelements, and means for subsequently assembling pairs of said elementsto form two-part envelopes, adjustable means for varying the length andwidth of the respective envelope elements to form envelopes of differentsizes.

5; In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips,means including rotating cutters, for cutting said strips to form frontand back envelope elements, and means for assembling said elements to`form a two-part envelope, means for varying the peripheral movement ofthe cutters relative to the strip feeding means, to form blanks ofdifferent lengths.

l6. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips,means for cutting said strips to form front and back envelope elements,such means including for each strip a rotatable cutter holder; a cutterblade supported therein radially; an anvil roll rotatable independentlyof, and axially in parallel relation thereto; means for varying therelative rotational speed of the anvil roll and the cutter holder; meansfor varying their axial distance; and means for adjusting the cutterblade radially to rotate the cutter edge peripherally in unison with thesurface speed of the anvil roll, to cooperate therewith to cut envelopeelements of different lengths.

7. In a machine of the character described in claim 6, means for varyingthe angular relation of respective cutters.

8. In a machine of the character described in claim 6, and havingcutting means operative in fixed planes on one strip, means for varyingthe linear distance between cutting means on the median line of thestrip.

9. In a machine of the character described in claim 6, and havingcutting means operative in fixed planes on one strip, means operativebetween respective cutting means adapted to deiiect the strip and varythe linear distance between the cutting means on the median line of thestrip.

10. In a machine of the character described in claim 6, and havingcutting means operative in fixed planes on one strip, means operative tovary the linear distance between the cutting means on the median line ofthe strip, including a roll adapted to engage the strip betweenrespective cutting means, and to deflect it from its normal path, andmeans for adjusting the path of movement to the required length of theenvelope member.

11. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim 1,cutting means adjustable to the width of the major strip, and adapted tonotch opposite edges to form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends ofsuccessive envelopes of varied widths.

12. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim l,rotatable cutter means adjustable axially and adapted to notch oppositeedges of the major strip to form tapered closure flaps on contiguousends of successive envelopes of varied Widths.

13. In envelope machine of the character described in claim 1, rotatablecutting means adjustable axially and radially and adapted to notchopposite edges of the major strip to form tapered closure flaps oncontiguous ends of successive envelopes of varied sizes.

lll. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim l, andhaving cutting means adapted to notch opposite edges of the major stripto form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends of successiveenvelopes, in combination therewith, positive means for engaging thefragment on each side and removinsr it from the path of movement of thestrip.

15. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim l, andhaving cutting means adapted to notch opposite edges of the major stripto form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends of successiveenvelopes, in combination therewith, rotatable means coordinated withthe cutting means, for engaging the fragment on each side and removingit from the path of movement of the strip.

16. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim l, havingcutting means ade justable to the width of the major strip and adaptedto notch opposite edges to form tapered closure flaps on contiguous endsof successive envelopes of varied Widths, in combination therewith,means adjustable to the Width of the strip, and adapted to positivelyengage the fragment on each side and remove it from the path of movementof the strip.

17. In a machine of the character described in claim 1, and having meansrotatable to cut notches in opposite edges of the major strips, meansfor positively removing each fragment from the path cf movement of thestrip, comprising a carrier supported above each edge of the strip; aroll yieldingly supported thereby and rotatable beneath the strip normalto the path of movement thereof; an arm supported by the carrier androtatable on an axis parallel to that of the roll, and adapted tointersect the path of movement of the out fragment, and in cooperationWith the roll to detach it from the strip; means for adjusting thelateral relation of the carriers to varied Widths of strip; and meansfor rotating each arm in unison with the cutting means.

18. In an envelope machine for forming a twopart envelope having closedside and bottom portions, and having means for feeding a pair of strips,means for varying the Width thereof, means for cutting said strips toform respectively major elements having a top and bottom sealing flap,and minor envelope elements; means for varying the length of therespective envelope elements, and means for assembling the elements, incombination therewith means for applying gum lines near each edge of oneelement, and means for applying gum lines across the end of one element,such means being adjustable to operate respectively on different Widthsand lengths of envelope members.

19. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim 18, meansfor varying the operative relation of the cutting means and the meansfor applying gum lines, to coordinate in operation for varied sizes ofenvelopes.

2o. In an envelope machine having means for supporting a pair of paperrolls, and means for feeding strips independently therefrom, means forcutting said strips to form pairs of independent major and minorenvelope elements of varied length and Width, and coordinated means forsubsequently assembling pairs of major and minor elements to formenvelopes of different sizes having closed side and bottom portions.

LEO STONE.

FRED W. MCARDLE.

